Medal-winners shine at national culinary competition: How industry competitions can boost confidence and skills

Catering and hospitality students have been taking part in a range of competitions where they’ve demonstrated exceptional skills and diligence, proven by the medals they’ve earned.

All of the students taking part said they would enter more competitions to try and improve their own skills and gain more experience for their CVs and that they now have so much more confidence.

Only two golds were awarded at the Welsh National Championships of the Riso Gallo Risotto Chef Challenge at the event and two Coleg Sir Gâr students took the top spots.

Many of the medal-winning students are in their first year of studying a level one catering and hospitality course which is a very impressive achievement.

This includes Harry Howells who has been selected to represent Wales in the Riso Gallo UK final in June.  He is competing for the chance to win a culinary stage with Fabio Pisani, Alessandro Negrini and their team at the two Michelin starred Il Luogo in Milan. The runner up will win a three-day stage at The Italian Embassy in London.

Two students also competed in the Skills Competition Wales Inclusive Skills Restaurant Service and food preparation categories and will receive their results in March.

Daniel Williams, chef, restaurant owner and Coleg Sir Gâr lecturer said: “Congratulations to everyone who has competed in the Skills Competition Wales and Welsh Culinary Championships this January. 

“Two golds, one silver and three bronze is an amazing effort from your first competition. We are very proud of your efforts and success.  

“Good luck to those waiting for the results of Skills Competition Wales in March; your hard work, commitment and competitive spirit has done Coleg Sir Gâr proud. Da iawn i chi gyd.”

Find out more about studying catering and hospitality at Coleg Sir Gâr and Cegin Sir Gâr.

Read more about our other medal winners and competitors by clicking the photo below